In small and large ways, the Everence® Sharing Fund helps thousands of families each year through matching grants. From supporting food pantries to filling heating oil tanks, Sharing Fund contributions go directly to meet basic needs.
In 2020, Everence awarded more than $1.4 million in Sharing Fund grants for those in need in our member communities, including $352,993 in grants directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. An additional $2.2 million was given by congregations, chapters and employer groups.
Everence Sharing Fund grants help meet the needs of individuals in your church and local community. Grants are available to congregations who have an active Everence stewardship advocate. If your congregation has a need that you think a Sharing Fund grant could help with, contact your advocate for more information.
The Sharing Fund is, in most cases, a matching grant. Let's say your church has a member who is laid off and having trouble finding another job. In the interim between jobs, he incurs $1,000 in emergency expenses and your congregation provides $500 to help. Everence may match that $500 with a Sharing Fund grant. Grants are awarded based on need and the amount of money a congregation is eligible to receive.
Everence Sharing Fund grant recipients include individuals or nonprofit organizations – even if they are not Everence members. Grants can be as much as $3,000 per year, depending on the eligible group.
To receive a Sharing Fund grant, a representative from an Everence member congregation submits a grant application on behalf of the intended recipient or organization. In most cases, Everence gives Sharing Fund grants as matching funds for money contributed by these eligible groups.
As a nonprofit, 501(c)(8) fraternal organization, Everence enjoys a unique tax status. Instead of paying taxes like a commercial insurance company, we return this money to our members to help meet special needs. This pool of money makes up the core of the Sharing Fund, but it is far from the only source of funds.
Our members, staff and board make additional contributions – including through estate and will bequeaths – to the Sharing Fund each year as they would to a charity. And, through our corporate tithing, Everence contributes a portion of net financial gains to member benefits such as the Sharing Fund.
Support the Everence Sharing Fund with a fully tax-deductible donation, and 100% of your gift will go to meet financial needs. You may also contribute through your will or estate by talking to your lawyer about naming the Everence Sharing Fund in your estate bequest.
Send a check to: Everence Sharing Fund, PO Box 483, Goshen, IN 46527
Contact us at 800-348-7468.
Donate via credit card online.
Sharing Fund applications are due by December 10 each year.